Linebacker Nate Landman -The Run Stuffer The Rams Have Lacked?

The Los Angeles Rams’ linebacker corps has long been a revolving door of undervalued talent, with the team opting for cost-effective, high-effort players over splashy, high-priced stars. In March 2025, the Rams continued this trend by signing Nate Landman, a 26-year-old inside linebacker, to a one-year, $1.1 million veteran minimum contract—a low-risk move with potential for high reward. Landman, a former undrafted free agent from the Atlanta Falcons, brings a unique story, relentless physicality, and a skill set that could solidify the Rams’ run defense in the 2025 season.

A Journey from Zimbabwe to the NFL

Nate Landman’s story begins far from the bright lights of the NFL. Born on November 19, 1998, in Harare, Zimbabwe, Landman’s early years were shaped by his father, Shaun, a professional rugby player. The family relocated to Danville, California, in 2002, when Nate was just three years old, immersing him in a new culture and a new sport: American football. Landman didn’t become a U.S. citizen until his sophomore year at the University of Colorado, and he carries his Zimbabwean heritage with pride, wearing the country’s flag on his NFL uniform—a nod to his roots and the only active NFL player with Zimbabwean lineage.

At Monte Vista High School, Landman was a two-way star, excelling as both a linebacker and wide receiver. His senior year showcased his versatility: 38 receptions for 577 yards and seven touchdowns on offense, paired with 32 tackles for loss and a forced fumble in a CIF-North Coast Section Division I championship win over Najee Harris’ Antioch High. Rated as the No. 5 linebacker in California by Scout.com, Landman drew offers from programs like Arizona, Boise State, and Colorado State before committing to the Colorado Buffaloes in 2016.

At Colorado, Landman’s work ethic and instincts shone. Over five seasons, he amassed 409 tackles (fifth in program history), 42 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, three interceptions, and 14 passes defended. He became the first Buff to earn all-conference honors four times (two first-team, two second-team) and was a semifinalist for the Dick Butkus Award in 2020. Despite a season-ending Achilles injury in 2021, his leadership and production, leading the team in tackles three straight years, made him a standout. Yet, going undrafted in 2022, Landman’s path to the NFL would require the same grit that defined his college career.

Breaking Through with the Falcons

Signed by the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent, Landman initially carved out a role on special teams. His breakout came in 2023, when injuries to starter Troy Andersen thrust him into the starting lineup. Landman seized the opportunity, starting 14 of 16 games and recording 110 tackles, seven tackles for loss, two sacks, three forced fumbles, and an interception. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), he posted an elite 85.4 run defense grade, ranking ninth among 179 linebackers, and his 12.6% run-stop rate was second only to Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. His 46 run stops ranked third among linebackers, cementing his reputation as a run-stuffing force.

In 2024, Landman’s role was slightly reduced, starting nine of 13 games due to a calf injury that sidelined him for four weeks. Still, he contributed 81 tackles, three forced fumbles, and a pass defended across 544 defensive snaps. Over two seasons as a starter, Landman totaled 191 tackles, six forced fumbles (tied for ninth in the NFL), and seven tackles for loss in 29 games. His knack for forcing turnovers—six forced fumbles since 2023, trailing only three inside linebackers (Fred Warner, Zaire Franklin, and Bobby Okereke)—highlighted his disruptive potential.

Despite his production, the Falcons declined to tender Landman as a restricted free agent, a decision that would have cost $3.26 million. Atlanta’s cap constraints and the emergence of other linebackers, like second-round pick Troy Andersen and veteran Divine Deablo, paved the way for Landman’s departure. This was a golden opportunity for the Rams to snag a proven starter at a bargain price.

Why the Rams?

Landman’s decision to join the Rams was driven by familiarity, opportunity, and culture. Having played under former Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris in Atlanta during 2024, Landman was already versed in a defensive scheme similar to the one Los Angeles employs under first-year coordinator Chris Shula. His relationship with Rams senior defensive assistant Jimmy Lake, who coached him in Atlanta, further eased the transition.

The Rams’ linebacker room was depleted after the 2024 season. Christian Rozeboom, who led the team with 135 tackles, signed with the Carolina Panthers, and Jake Hummel joined the Baltimore Ravens. With only second-year pro Omar Speights, Tony Fields II, and Elias Neal remaining, Landman’s 23 career starts and physical style made him an immediate fit. The Rams’ success under head coach Sean McVay—six playoff appearances in eight years—and their proximity to Landman’s California roots sealed the deal. “It’s kind of like a homecoming,” Landman said, citing the chance to reconnect with high school friends and family in California and Nevada.

Landman’s rugby background, instilled by his father’s coaching, gives him an edge. His “wrap and roll” tackling technique, honed in rugby, aligns with the NFL’s emphasis on safer, head-avoidant tackling. “Football is a violent sport, and I love the physicality of it,” Landman said. “As a middle linebacker, you’ve got to set the tone.”

On-Field Analysis: Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

• Run Defense: Landman’s calling card is his ability to stop the run. His 73.9 PFF run defense grade in 2024 ranked 44th among 189 linebackers, but his 2023 mark of 85.4 was elite. His quick diagnosis, physicality at the point of attack, and ability to shed blocks make him a reliable tackler. He missed only a handful of tackles in 2023, contributing to his league-leading run-stop metrics.
• Turnover Creation: With six forced fumbles in two seasons, Landman has a rare knack for punching the ball out. His 2024 season included three forced fumbles in just nine starts, tying him for ninth in the NFL. This playmaking ability adds a dynamic element to the Rams’ defense.
• Leadership and Physicality: At 6’3” and 240 pounds, Landman brings a commanding presence. He describes himself as “super vocal” and thrives on setting the tone with bone-rattling hits. His passion and rugby-honed instincts translate to a relentless motor.
• Scheme Fit: Landman’s experience in Morris’s 3-4 base defense aligns with the Rams’ system, which often deploys multiple inside linebackers in base packages. His familiarity with the verbiage and concepts should minimize his learning curve.

Weaknesses

• Pass Coverage: Landman’s coverage skills are a work in progress. His 2024 PFF coverage grade of 58.2 ranked 99th among 189 linebackers, and he allowed a 7th-best passer rating when targeted. While he’s shown flashes (four passes defended in his career), he’s not a natural in space and can struggle against athletic tight ends or shifty backs.
• Injury History: Landman’s 2021 Achilles injury and 2024 calf issue, which cost him four games, raise durability concerns. At 26, he’s still young, but the Rams will need him to stay healthy to maximize his impact.
• Pass Rush: Landman’s pass-rush grade of 56.5 in 2024 ranked 100th among linebackers, with only one pressure recorded. He’s not a consistent threat as a blitzer, limiting his role in obvious passing situations.

Projected Role and Impact in 2025

The Rams’ defense ranked 26th overall in 2024, allowing 130 rushing yards per game (22nd). With a 2025 schedule featuring bruising running backs like Derrick Henry, Christian McCaffrey, and Jonathan Taylor, Landman’s run-stopping prowess will be critical. He’s likely to compete with Omar Speights for the starting Mike linebacker role, replacing Rozeboom’s production while bringing more physicality and turnover creation.

Landman’s no-risk contract gives the Rams flexibility. If he performs well in training camp, he’s a lock for the 53-man roster and could play 60-70% of defensive snaps, particularly in base and nickel packages. His special teams experience—71 snaps in 2024 with Atlanta—adds value, especially after Hummel’s departure. If Landman struggles or his injuries resurface, the Rams can cut him with no cap penalty, but his track record suggests he’ll earn a significant role.

Under Chris Shula, the Rams’ defense relies on disciplined gap control and aggressive play. Landman’s familiarity with the scheme and his relationship with Lake should help him integrate quickly. If he returns to his 2023 form, when he ranked among the NFL’s top run defenders, the Rams could have a steal. Paired with young talents like edge rusher Jared Verse and linebacker Omar Speights, Landman could help elevate a unit aiming to crack the top 15 in 2025.

Why Landman Could Be a Steal

Landman embodies the Rams’ philosophy of finding diamonds in the rough. Since drafting Ernest Jones IV in 2021, they’ve avoided high investments at inside linebacker, instead relying on undrafted players such as Christian Rozeboom (now with the Panthers), recently re-signed Troy Reeder, and UDFA Omar Speights. Landman, with 23 starts and proven production, is a step above the typical low-cost signee. His $1.1 million deal carries no guarantees, making it a low-stakes bet on a player with upside.

His intangibles—leadership, physicality, and a chip on his shoulder from going undrafted—align with the culture McVay fosters. Landman’s ability to force fumbles could be a game-changer for a defense that struggled to create turnovers in 2024. If he improves in coverage or stays healthy, he could earn a multi-year extension, following the path of Jones, who parlayed his Rams tenure into a $15 million deal with the Seahawks.

Wrapping It Up

Nate Landman’s journey from Zimbabwe to the NFL is a testament to his resilience and passion. His signing with the Rams may not have grabbed headlines, but it’s a calculated move that could pay dividends. With elite run-stopping ability, a knack for forcing fumbles, and a scheme fit that plays to his strengths, Landman has a chance to shine in Los Angeles. For a team looking to bolster its defense without breaking the bank, Landman represents the perfect blend of value and potential. Rams fans should keep an eye on No. 53—he’s ready to set the tone and prove he’s more than just an under-the-radar addition.